Manchester United’s current struggles have led to significant criticism from fans and pundits alike. The club has dropped points repeatedly in the Premier League, culminating in a demoralizing 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur. The result has only intensified the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag and raised questions about the effectiveness of recent signings, notably Matthijs de Ligt, whose high-profile transfer from Juventus has not yielded the expected results.
The defeat to Tottenham, a team managed by new head coach Ange Postecoglou, highlighted a stark contrast in approaches between the two clubs. While Spurs seem to have found a sense of identity and direction under Postecoglou, Manchester United continue to struggle with inconsistency and a lack of cohesion on the pitch. The loss has left United in a disappointing 12th place in the Premier League, far below the club’s ambitions of competing for the title or securing a top-four spot.
Paul Scholes, a former Manchester United and England midfielder, did not hold back in his post-match analysis. As a player who thrived in one of the club’s most successful eras, Scholes understands what it takes for a team to succeed at the highest level, and his frustration with the current situation was evident. Speaking after the match, Scholes expressed dismay at United’s disorganized and disjointed performance, comparing them to an “uncoached team.” This criticism was especially damning, as it suggested that the issues plaguing the team go beyond individual player performances and are rooted in the training and preparation at the managerial level.
Scholes’ comments reflect the concerns of many fans who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the team’s style of play under Erik ten Hag. Despite the Dutch manager’s reputation for fostering disciplined, well-organized teams during his time at Ajax, those qualities have not yet translated consistently to his tenure at Old Trafford. Instead, United have looked uncertain, lacking in both creativity and defensive stability.
One of the key points Scholes emphasized was the lack of a clear playing style or philosophy within the team. He pointed out that, two years into Ten Hag’s tenure, there should be a recognizable system in place, especially considering the resources at the manager’s disposal. Yet, the team appears disjointed, with players seemingly unsure of their roles on the pitch. Scholes contrasted this with Tottenham’s approach under Postecoglou, who has managed to instill a cohesive style of play in a relatively short period. This comparison only deepened the sense of disappointment around United, given that the club has historically prided itself on having a distinct identity and a winning mentality.
Another aspect of the team’s struggles that Scholes focused on was Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy, which has come under increasing scrutiny. Among the players brought in during the transfer window, Matthijs de Ligt, the highly-rated Dutch defender, has not made the impact many had hoped for. United paid a substantial fee to secure De Ligt’s services, and there were expectations that he would solidify the defense, particularly following the mixed performances of Harry Maguire in previous seasons. However, Scholes questioned whether De Ligt represented a significant improvement over Maguire, noting that the Dutchman had yet to demonstrate his value to the team.
The lack of improvement in defense has been a major issue for United, who have conceded goals at an alarming rate this season. Despite the investment in De Ligt and other defensive reinforcements, the team continues to look vulnerable at the back, which has further contributed to their poor form. Scholes highlighted that when a club spends large sums of money on new players, those signings are expected to raise the overall quality of the squad. In De Ligt’s case, however, Scholes expressed skepticism about whether he was indeed an upgrade on the options already available to Ten Hag.
Scholes also voiced frustration with the team’s reliance on excuses rather than results. He called on United’s senior players, many of whom have been signed for substantial fees, to take greater responsibility on the pitch. According to Scholes, these experienced players need to step up and provide leadership, rather than hiding behind the team’s collective underperformance. This is a sentiment shared by many supporters, who feel that the team is lacking in character and determination, traits that were once synonymous with Manchester United.
The current malaise at the club has raised broader questions about the direction of Manchester United as a whole. Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club has gone through multiple managerial changes, each accompanied by varying degrees of success. However, none of the managers have been able to recapture the sustained success that United enjoyed under Ferguson, and the lack of stability has been a recurring theme. Ten Hag was brought in with the hope that he could provide long-term vision and rebuild the club, but the early signs of his tenure have been mixed.
One of the core issues facing Ten Hag is the balance between implementing his tactical philosophy and managing the egos and expectations of a squad filled with high-profile players. Manchester United have traditionally been a club that signs marquee players, and with those signings come significant pressure to deliver results. However, integrating new signings into a cohesive unit has proved challenging, and Ten Hag’s task has been further complicated by injuries and inconsistency from key players.
The club’s recruitment strategy has also come under fire, with many questioning whether the players brought in over the past few transfer windows have truly addressed the team’s weaknesses. The signing of De Ligt, in particular, has raised eyebrows given the amount spent and the limited return on investment thus far. Similarly, other recent signings, such as Jadon Sancho and Antony, have struggled to live up to their billing, further contributing to the sense of frustration around the club.
Manchester United’s defensive frailties have been one of the most glaring issues this season. Despite possessing a wealth of talent in defense, the team has struggled to keep clean sheets, and individual mistakes have cost them dearly in key matches. De Ligt, who was expected to bring composure and leadership to the backline, has yet to fully adapt to the demands of the Premier League, and his performances have been inconsistent. This has raised questions about whether the club’s scouting and recruitment processes are fit for purpose, particularly when it comes to identifying players who can thrive in the English game.
Beyond the tactical and personnel issues, there is a growing sense that Manchester United lack the mental toughness and winning mentality that defined the club during its most successful periods. Under Ferguson, United were known for their resilience, often finding ways to win even when not playing at their best. In contrast, the current team has often looked fragile, both physically and mentally, and has struggled to bounce back from setbacks. This has been reflected in their performances against top-six rivals, where United have frequently been outplayed and outworked.
The lack of leadership on the pitch has also been a major talking point. While the team boasts several experienced internationals, there has been a noticeable absence of players willing to take charge and inspire their teammates during difficult moments. This has only added to the pressure on Ten Hag, who is tasked with not only improving the team’s tactical organization but also instilling a winning mentality in a squad that has often appeared to lack self-belief.
Looking ahead, the remainder of the season will be crucial for both Ten Hag and Manchester United as a whole. If the team continues to struggle, questions will inevitably be raised about the manager’s future and whether he is the right person to lead the club forward. However, the problems at Manchester United run deeper than just the manager, and addressing the structural issues within the club – from recruitment to player development – will be essential if the club is to return to its former glory.
In the immediate term, United will need to find a way to arrest their current slide and begin picking up points if they are to salvage their season. For Ten Hag, this will likely involve finding a more settled lineup, improving the team’s defensive organization, and getting more out of his star players. Whether he can do so remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: time is running out for Manchester United to turn things around.
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